The Joy Factor
February 2004



How much joy is too much? When does one have enough joy? Is there some kind of measure that tells us if we are getting what we need, laughing enough, smiling enough for the right chemical balance or the right personal fulfillment?

I am not once for extensive statistics so I can only speak from my experience, personal study and clients. What I notice is that many of us could use some more JOY in our lives. When I am happy and my life is full of joy, I feel optimistic, more energized and above all, healthier.

“Perhaps the most exciting medical research on laughter is in the field of “psycho-neuro-immunology” which looks at the effect of the mind on the brain and on the immune system. This research shows that…laughter, joy and happiness have been found to help boost the immune system. The repeated research experiments of Dr Lee Berk at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA, shows that laughter, happiness and joy “inspire” the immune system to create white ‘T’ cells, commonly called ‘happy cells’, which help to prevent infection.” (excerpt from www.Becomehappy.com )

Beyond the mere fact that joy feels good, you now have a medical reason to bring it forward in your life!

20 Things That Bring Me Joy…
When you think about times you have been happiest, what memories come to mind? What were you doing? Where were you? Who were you with? For what reason did it make you happy?

I am not the first to think of “the list” but wish to share it with you and expand it a little bit.

Action…
Take out a notebook, journal, or paper and take a moment to list everything you can think of that brings you joy. It could be things that prompt little smiles, “warmth” in your heart, or giant belly laughs. Some of mine are: sharing a smile with a stranger, teaching yoga and noticing the benefits to myself and others, observing children play, watching colors paint the sky at sunrise and sunset, dancing till I’m drenched, reading a little “Wisdom Card” in the morning, playing with puppies. It can be anything, so long as it brings you joy.

Stop now.
Start your list- aim for 20 and build from there.

NOTE: Awareness is first. One client was working on her list of “20 Things That Bring Me Joy”, and she began to cry. She could only think of a few things. For her, this was a powerful awareness, realizing that she really needed to invite more joy into her life!

A Deeper Look…
A way to enhance this exercise is to go back over your list and determine what it is about that item that makes you so happy. (i.e. My yoga brings me joy because I feel energized, relaxed and it often makes a difference in people’s lives. Watching sunrises and sunsets makes me feel spiritual, as if witnessing a miracle everyday.) Perhaps in doing this you will find some themes. You might find it relates to time with others, time alone, natural environments, making a difference, physical activity, spirituality.

The purpose of finding these themes is two-fold. First, once you’ve found some patterns, you can expand into new territories seeking other experiences that relate to your theme. If you tend to enjoy things that use creativity, why not try a writing, cooking or art class, or start your own Mastermind group to for weekly brainstorming around a shared subject of interest.

The second purpose is to better understand what motivates you in your life. You might find that a frequently postponed and elusive goal does not relate in any way to the “themes” that bring you joy. No wonder! In reverse you may use this as a way of choosing new goals or activities—if it doesn’t relate in some way to bringing you joy, either change the focus of the goal or pick a new one. For example, if you wish to eliminate debt to feel more secure, but you don’t get “joy” from security, try a different slant. If you get joy from travel, make that the reason you wish to get out of debt- choose your destination you will visit upon eliminating debt and saving the money for the trip!

Merging With Joy
Now that you better understand what brings you joy, it is time to bring them into practice. Begin by adding at least 2 joy-bringers to your day. Although thinking about it is somewhat helpful, to get the full effect you must actually do it! It must become part of your daily life!

So get out there and get into your JOY!

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